This week, TLS proudly marks five years of independence, following the management buyout in 2020 that set the company on a bold new path.

The move gave TLS the freedom to chart its own course, invest in innovation, and respond more directly to the needs of filmmakers and creatives around the world. Five years on, the company is thriving, with growth across Europe, the UK, the United States, and Asia.

Backed by Foresight Group

The company continues to be supported by Foresight Group, a leading independent infrastructure and private equity investment manager. This partnership has allowed TLS to accelerate its global expansion, strengthen its rehousing and servicing capabilities, and invest in new innovations to meet the demands of a fast-moving industry.

A Global Journey

Since regaining its independence, TLS has expanded its global footprint and strengthened its reputation as a trusted name in the film industry. Demand for its expertise has risen steadily, with customers from across continents turning to TLS for precision lens servicing, vintage rehousing, and bespoke engineering solutions.

The company’s heritage in optical and mechanical engineering has long set it apart, but independence has given TLS the ability to accelerate projects, bring new ideas to life, and collaborate with industry partners in ways that were not previously possible.

Continuing the Craft

TLS remains committed to its core values: quality, precision, and creativity. From rehousing vintage Canon, Zeiss, and Mamiya lenses to providing solutions for filmmaking needs, the company continues to deliver work that balances technical excellence with artistic vision.

“Our independence has allowed us to be agile, to listen closely to our community, and to innovate with confidence,” said Gavin Whitehurst, TLS Managing Director, “We’re proud of what we’ve achieved over the last five years, but we’re even more excited about the future.”

Here is Sean Woodward – Our longest-serving team member, given the honour of cutting the celebratory cake and Irina Filip – Finance & Operations Assistant - delighted to represent our team by holding the number 5 from the celebratory cake!

A Community Effort

The success of the past five years is a testament not only to TLS’s dedicated team, but also to the trust and support of its partners, collaborators, and customers around the world.

As the company looks ahead, it remains focused on expanding its capabilities, exploring new opportunities, and continuing to provide the highest standard of service to the global film and creative industries.

“Thank you to everyone who has been part of our journey so far,” added Gavin Whitehurst “Here’s to the next chapter of growth, creativity, and collaboration.”